Dear Kara,
I work with a girl who has been with the company before and was re-hired after the government shutdown. She thinks she knows everything and really discounts what anyone else has to say, even though she’s actually wrong about a lot of things. I want to tell her to shut up, but I also just want her to understand that new employees have benefits too. How can I make her see that she’s not the only one that knows how to work here?
Sincerely, Little Worker Bee
Dear Little Worker Bee,
She may just want to let it be known that she has a little seniority, especially because it sounds like she was working an adult job and if this is a part-time college gig, she might be feeling out of place. Don’t let it get you too down, and try to kill her with kindness. Appreciate the advice she gives, and instead of correcting her behavior, offer suggestions that have made your workday easier. Good luck!
Dear Kara,
I have several managers, and most of them I love. But there is one that is just rude and beyond bossy. He doesn’t listen to what associates have to say and he doesn’t care to adjust his tone—even when talking about the good things. How do I let him know that I am doing my job correctly, and I do hear him, but his criticisms could be nicer?
Sincerely, At Witt’s End
Dear At Witt’s End,
Understand that as a manager there is added stress that you, as an associate, may or may not see. People all deal with stress differently and he may not even realize he is taking his stress out on you. If it is a personal attack, ask for a meeting and explain how you’re feeling so that you are able to voice your opinions. If you feel that it is a general act of rudeness, try making a joke about it. See if he takes offense or laughs along. If he laughs along, he’s not doing it on purpose. If he takes offense, definitely set up that meeting to clarify.
Dear Kara,
I’m always the youngest at work, no matter where I work. I don’t usually mind, but it makes it so difficult when I want to connect with coworkers outside of work and they’re all at a bar and I’m still underage. I know they don’t mean to exclude me, and I would never ask them to change plans for me, but I do want to be able to do things with them.
Sincerely, Fed Up
Dear Fed Up,
Understand that you’re not alone in feeling this way. You should suggest weekend plans at a place that you can go, but where they can also drink. That way you’re not ruining plans, and they probably will appreciate that someone else is giving ideas on where to go. If someone has an issue, you can say you’ve heard it’s easier to meet someone at the location you’ve suggested.